Letters to the Editor

October 11, 2006

Professor defends McGreevey and Foley

I have some observations to make as we approach National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11. There have been many negative judgments in the recent news about former N.J. Governor James McGreevey (e.g., the Collegian of Sept. 27) and former U.S. Representative Mark Foley regarding their scandalous behavior. In attempting to live dual existences to appease the demands of political and religious officials, the lives of both men demonstrate what can happen to a person and to those around him as a result of trying to live according to others’ wishes instead of according to his own truth. Of course, the same could be said about those supposedly living on the “down low,” who transmit HIV to their unsuspecting girlfriends/wives.

When people leave the closet and come out, they have a chance to experience what Jesus said to the fullest: “. . . the truth will set you free” (John 8.32).

Sincerely,
Mark J. Ratkus
Assistant Professor of Economics